Prostate Cancer And Me......

[janzman]

.....after the usual urinary symptoms and appointments with an urologist and subsequent biopsy, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November last year...my 37 day contintuous radiotherapy treatment starts on March 7th.
My question is ....how do the professionals know that the cancer is gone at the end of the treatment.
If it takes blood test, physical examination, and biopsy to establish cancer is there in the first place , How is it proven that is has been successfully treated

[NoMercy]

You should get an MRI to reassess the situation but 74Gy of radiation in 37 fractions is usually enough to nuke it into non-existence.

Good luck with your treatment.

[Peter Pedant]

I think they rescan
and then follow the PSA

Remember they will be using PSA to follow up and monitor which is different to using it to diagnose

(I have to say that post therapy monitoring should have been covered by the doctors treating you)

[Peter Pedant]

74 Gy - Jesus they dont hang around do they ?

[jourdain2]

Wait for squad to answer. An amateur answer would be a blood test. I really don't know, but OH had a prostate section and bloods seemed to be the defining answer.

[Flonska]

This may help provide some initial information but please remember the response to such treatment is individual. Talk to youroncologist if you have one and those looking after your care during the radiotherapy treatment.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/treatments/follow-up-after-treatment

[Flonska]

sorry ^ your oncologist^

[Mamyalynne]

Best wishes Janzman.

[marval]

I can't answer your question janzman, I just wanted to wish you all the best. Hope Mrs janzman is alright.

[gness]

Wishing you well, Janzman.....x

[Muntin]

Proven by the PSA blood test, maybe 4 months after the end of radiotherapy and then every six months. There should be loads of leaflets and booklets for information around the urology department. Finding the right person to ask questions of can be tricky but find them and ask. Look out for a Maggie's centre at the hospital.
And best wishes and good luck.

[Baldric]

All the very best to you Janzman, be strong and positive.

[mallyh]

i too wish you well janzman x

[Sqad]

To be honest......they don't know it has gone.
However all the answers above re.blood tests and MRI are the best guides and they are usually "on the ball."

[Tilly2]

I'd like to add my best wishes to all the others on this thread. I hope it's a successful outcome for you, Janzman.